Customer Project: DIY Tree Straps

by Ross

A quick and easy DIY project outlining how I make my tree straps. I use these with the toggles and a marlin spike hitch to attach my whoopie slings to the trees.

1. First thing is to cut the webbing into the two lengths for the straps. I like to use a chair like in the pic to hold it down while measuring. I wanted 6 foot long straps with a 3 inch loop and 4 inches of sewn area, plus a small loop to hold the toggle in place on the other end - a 1 inch loop. So, I measured 6 feet 8 inches of webbing, then cut and sealed the ends with a lighter.

2. Next, I set up my machine to sew the webbing - I'm using a thicker needle and adjusted the tension and stitch length to my liking - I played with my machine on some scrap to dial it in.

3. I measured the 7 inches for the main loop and folded it back on itself, then I sew a box around the outside of the 4 inch area I will be sewing in - doing a few passes on the short end of the box for extra measure. I found doing the box first helps keep the webbing in place and not want to move around as much.

4. Next, I start sewing long parallel lines of stitches going the length of the webbing (see pic). I decided to use this method as it is supposed to be very strong according to an article found here: http://caves.org/section/vertical/nhback/NH03.pdf

5. I do 3 passes of these long parallel lines (end up looking like really stretched "N"s). I do all of these passes in one continuous stitch, lock stitching the beginning and ending of it.

6. At this point, I go to the other end of the strap, fold it back one inch, then run a straight stitch across the end 4-5 times to hold in place and create a small loop to attach my toggle.

7. I repeat steps 3-6 for the second strap.

8. At this point I take my toggles and the cordage and attach them to the small loop. All done!

Bonus: the toggles are made with 3/4" maple dowels, cut to about 3.5" in length. I then sand, stain, and seal them after drilling a hole for the cord to pass through one end.

Required Materials:

1. Roughly 15 feet (depending on how long you want your straps) of Polyester webbing, I'm using 1" wide